The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has alleged that more than 1,000 Nigerians were killed and thousands abducted between January and February 2026.
In a statement shared on X on Sunday, Obi described the level of violence across Nigeria as more severe than what is seen in some countries officially at war. He condemned what he termed a “politics of zero humanity,” accusing political leaders of focusing on preparations for the 2027 elections rather than prioritising citizens’ safety.
According to him, while politicians are preoccupied with strategies to win the next election, communities across states such as Zamfara, Kwara, Ondo, Kebbi, Edo, Benue, Adamawa, and Plateau are grieving losses and facing displacement due to persistent attacks.
Obi further claimed that more than 25 states across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones have experienced significant violence this year, including kidnappings, mass shootings, village invasions, and assaults on worshippers and travellers. He lamented that the response to the crisis has not matched its severity.
The former Anambra State governor criticised the national conversation, noting that discussions about zoning arrangements, party structures, and campaign strategies appear to take precedence over addressing insecurity. He expressed concern that while leaders debate power-sharing formulas, citizens are burying loved ones.
Referencing recent attacks in Plateau State, Obi said it was heartbreaking to see families mourning victims while political discourse remained focused on the 2027 elections. He stressed that leadership should centre on safeguarding lives rather than securing political victories.
Obi urged authorities to treat human life as a sacred priority, insisting that governance should be measured by the protection and dignity of citizens. He warned that history would judge leaders not by their electoral strategies but by whether they acted decisively to save lives during times of crisis.
He concluded by calling for a shift in focus from politics to people, urging leaders to put Nigerians first.
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